i did not fall in love with you
under stars, or blankets
there was no slipping, no
blackened knees
or blood, or shouting

i did not fall, leap
or run, into love

i strolled, step after
usual step
because i could

because you never asked me
to crawl, or chase
because you kissed
every rotten thing anyone ever did
to me, away

because loving you is as simple
and comfortable
as walking